Minister for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume has urged Nigerian Youths, particularly, those in Benue state, to key into the policies of the Federal Government to add value to themselves.
Senator Akume gave this advice at a forum he held at his Makurdi residence to address the youths on the EndSARS protests going on across the country.
He said the policies are youth driven especially in the Agricultural sector and called on the youths to embrace them to contribute their quota to the development of the nation.
Sen. Akume who further urged the youths to be patriotic also told them to remain steadfast, peaceful and not to relent in supporting the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari who according to him, means well for Nigeria.
“We know you have the fundamental right to protest but you must take cognizance of the rights of others. Let no one encourage you to destroy facilities. We are not rich in this State. Those who are rich have private jets. Do not make us a laughing stock.
“As a government, we believe in the sanctity of life and that is why government was careful in responding and swiftly too.
“I want to sincerely appreciate Benue youths for not being violent during the EndSARS protests. I appeal to you to remain steadfast and support the government to do well”, Akume said.
Speaking at the forum, a Social Media Influencer, Manasseh Aondohemba called on the minister to set up a technical committee by the Minister to enable Benue youths access from the value chain of the Federal Government.
A leader of the Youths from Zone A, Emmanuel Akpo, lamented over the backwardness of youths in the country and in Benue state, noting that they are often marginalized and neglected along party lines.
According to him, “only recently I submitted my Curriculum Vitae for job at University of Agriculture, Makurdi and the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi but was told outrightly that I cannot be given the job because I belong to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“In most cases, they demand hundreds of thousands from a prospective job seeker, you pay but at the end, you don’t get the job. This has to change”, AKpo said.
Another Youth Leader from Zone C, Tony Adam frowned at the composition of the State Judicial Panel on SARS brutality, observing that there is no youth representation in the committee.
“This is sad that the youths who have suffered brutality in the hands of SARS are not included in the committee, rather it is composed of old men who know nothing about SARS brutality. I have been a victim of it and know how painful the experience is.
The Next Edition reports that the Panel of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations by SARS in Benue has the following members,
Retired Justice Adam Onum as Chairman, Edward Yange as Secretary, Mrs. Josephine Haba, Mr. Moses Asoo, from the Civil Society Organization, Anthony Ogboji, a retired Commissioner of Police and Ityonongo John Mark, Joshua Tiv, Joshua Tyoyer, all representing the youths.
